Once I used to read post of experience from GRE takers. Now I am here to share my experience.

Alhamdulillah. I have scored 315 (Q-164 & V-151), expecting 4 in AWA.

Test Center: Amra Management (Non - Prometric)
First, I want to say something about the test center. I had some doubt about the test center and
heard some rumor about the center. But, the test center is totally good. Good environment and had a
really friendly atmosphere.
- Pattern got: VQVQV
- Test:
AWA: Both issue and argument topics were simple and straight forward.
Verbal: The first verbal section was really tough, esp. TC and RC part. I got one long RC, on which I
spent more time than was required. There were no such esoteric words but, SE questions were
lengthy compare to TC. I spent around 10 minutes for TC and SE and as a result, I got plenty of time
for RC, but RCs betrayed me through their length and complexity.
The second and third verbal sections were comparatively easy to the first one. Got some lengthy RC
and sometimes stuck in the RC.
Quant: First quant section was really simple. I completed all of the questions except DI within 20
minutes and left 15 minutes for Data Interpretation. At the end, I got almost 8 minutes left and
checked all the questions again.
Second section was really hard. Approximately 4 questions got from probability, but the statistics
questions were straightforward and easy. The main problem I faced is Data Interpretation questions
in the second section which were too much lengthy and devilish. The main thing in quant is to
sharpen your all basics. If you can sharpen all of the basic concepts, then you can easily get 165+
with a proper time management. I practiced a lot and cleared all basic concepts as possible. Though
I got a score of 165+ in all of my mock tests, I was surprised after seeing my quant score and I dont
know whats wrong were there. The most ridiculous thing is I completed and checked twice all of the
questions and got 164.
- Length of Preparation:
Around 5 months and first two months I spent mainly on vocabulary. If I completed vocabulary
before, then it would not have taken not more than 2-3 months.
- Vocabulary:
I did in total app. 1200 word (Barrons + Princeton + Kaplan) and used to grab words with mnemonic
whenever was possible. It is fine to go with high frequency words as GRE does not examine your
vocabulary, rather your critical thinking.
- Study Material followed:
- ETS Official Guide (OG)
- Barrons New GRE
- Princeton Verbal Workout.
- Nova Math Bible.
- Manhattan Strategy (only for verbal)
- Manhattan 5lb
- Solved some question from Magoosh. (Got 5days access from an altruistic brother)
- And the most helpful one, I was an active member in this group, which actually brought good
results.
-Mock tests:
I gave 2 Princeton tests, 6 Manhattan tests, 5 Kaplan MST and two PowerPrep. My scores were
between 315 and 322 in all of them.
- Powerprep 1: 322 and Powerprep 2: 319
- Manhattan : 316-320 (in all 6 tests)
- Suggestions:
> Manage your time well. If you are stuck on a question, just mark it and come back to it later.
> Cramming word is not effective at all. Try to grab the meaning of words with mnemonic and try to
know the use of words in sentence.
> Practice a lot of RCs, though I was not a verbal prodigy. But, spent lot of times for improving
verbal.
> Don't be stressed before the exam, it NEVER helps. Try to get free at least two days before the
test. It is essential that you write the test with a free mind, though it cannot be possible totally as we
are human, not machine.
Finally, I want to say, GRE is not as hard as we think. Adhered to the continuity is the big fact. And
always keep faith in you.
Thanks Stoical Head for being with me all the time . And thanks all of you guys. You all are really
awesome. I am here always. If you need me anytime, just drop me a message. I am ready to help.
Good luck everyone and dont forget to pray for me.